I recently came to the realization that I've been kinda punishing myself with cheap no-name solder that is really difficult to work with.
I reluctantly bought this (rather expensive) lead free solder for around $25 and the difference really took me by surprise - it melts and flows so easily!
Kinda got me wondering what everyone else has been using for solder, or what's worked well for you so far at least?
Ages ago (80's I think) there was talk of making lead free solder the only type that was available to consumers, and my great uncle (a deal horder) went out and got 2 cases of radioshack 64/40 resin core. Pretty sure it's the same stuff you can still buy today, but I've got another 4 spools in my kit (that are old enough to drink).
In my uncles defense sometimes his deal hording paid off. He once saved a family reunion when our venue fell through because he happened to have a dozen brand new hibachi grills in the apartment he rented just for his stuff. And he made a small fortune when he bought a bunch of freon before it went off the market.
I finally bought some flux last year and was angry at myself for all the wasted years, proper solder is next on the list but I still have some cheap but usable solder that I want to use up first
I have 60/40 leaded solder that worked pretty well. I'm definetly going to invest into some good lead free solder
Kester 48 SAC305 or K100LD, depending on the application. If you're not trying for ROHS compliance, the Kester 44 with 66 Core is very good.
60/40 leaded solder with rosin core, from a local reputable supplier
I use ChipQuik's 62/36/2.
I haven't found a lead free solder that works as well as this stuff. Plus, I never need to worry about silver-plated stuff cracking at the joint.
Give me good ole rosin core 60/40 lead solder any day.
Admittedly I've never used any "good" lead free solder.
